Chapter 270 - Immortal Guard

Yin Mengyao saw Long Chen, but Long Chen did not see her. After defeating and killing the Eastern Azure Dragon Patriarch, his next urgent business was about the Immortal Guard.

When the Lingwu family left, it signified the decline of one of the strongest families in Yuanling City, while Long Chen became the rising star. Of course, Long Chen had outgrown this place, so there was no chance he would stay. He needed to go somewhere else, a place where he could face more challenges and grow.

The Biyang Imperial Capital was one such place. The countries around the Cangyang Kingdom were roughly the same size and not as massive and dangerous as the Ten Great Empires. Unfortunately, the Cangyang Kingdom didn’t have mountains with strong demonic beasts, so the Counter Essence Realm was the only place suitable for him to continue growing now.

Regardless of whether he became an Immortal Guard or not, Long Chen would find a way to enter the Biyang Imperial Capital. Immortal Guard was just an official title that would allow him to enter the place.

The spectators were still trying to come to terms with the fact that Long Chen had defeated the Eastern Azure Dragon Patriarch. All of them were admiring the silent youth.

No one in Yuanling City had ever done something like this.

After the Lingwu family left, the Beast Soul Palace started to feel nervous. Emperor Yuan and his group approached the Ninth Prince, their eyes filled with anticipation. It was time for the Ninth Prince to decide. Yan Danqing was the most anxious one in the group, as he had worked hard to obtain the Immortal Guard post. How could he just relinquish it to Long Chen?

Why did he have to give something that was rightfully his to Long Chen?

Long Chen raised his head and looked at the Ninth Prince on the tower, saying, “My Lord, I’ve defeated the Eastern Azure Dragon Patriarch. As per the agreement, the post of Immortal Guard is mine, correct?”

Before the Ninth Prince could answer, Yan Danqing yelled, “Bullshit! I obtained the inheritance, not you! Who do you think you are?”

“I’m nothing, yet you lost to me, so you are worse than nothing. You have no right to become an Immortal Guard! You’ll just make Yuanling City look bad if you become one. Everyone, am I right?” Long Chen retorted, smiling towards the end.

Long Chen had earned the respect of the people after defeating the Eastern Azure Dragon Patriarch, so everyone who had seen him fight agreed.

“Let Long Chen become an Immortal Guard!”

Long Chen was far stronger than Yan Danqing. If he went to the Biyang Imperial Capital, his talent would definitely flourish. On the other hand, Yan Danqing would just embarrass Yuanling City.

Everyone cheered and showed support for Long Chen. Yan Danqing trembled from anger while Emperor Yuan frowned at what was happening.

Emperor Yuan made an attempt to persuade the Ninth Prince. “Ninth Prince, you made the rules yourself, so I hope you won’t break them. As per the rules, the one who found the inheritance was Danqing—”

“Who said Yan Danqing obtained the inheritance?” the Ninth Prince interrupted, turning his head. He was interested in Long Chen. “Long Chen just used the Nine Spinning Fire Shields, one of the martial techniques belonging to the Burning Heaven Emperor. That means Long Chen has also obtained the inheritance. Since he is stronger than Yan Danqing, I hereby announce that Long Chen will become an Immortal Guard!”

Everyone cheered at the Ninth Prince’s announcement. Both the Beast Soul Palace and the Lingwu family were extremely powerful factions that sometimes bullied the weak. Therefore, the civilians naturally supported Long Chen since he was much more relatable.

Long Chen sighed when he obtained the post, but he was worried that the Ninth Prince said Long Chen also obtained the inheritance.

“Impossible. Long Chen never obtained the inheritance nor the Nine Spinning Fire Shields!” Yan Danqing was grasping at straws.

“Then where did his technique come from?”

“You ...” Yan Danqing wanted to say that the Ninth Prince had given it to Long Chen after receiving it from himself. Yan Danqing was also suspicious that the Ninth Prince and Long Chen had come to an agreement beforehand.

Emperor Yuan knew what his grandson was thinking, so he quickly pulled Yan Danqing away and looked at the Ninth Prince. “My Lord, I fear that the reasoning is too forceful.”

“Yan Zhibai, it seems that you don’t want to become the mayor,” the Ninth Prince said plainly before looking at Long Chen. “Come up here. Why are you still down there?”

Emperor Yuan shut his mouth after hearing what the Ninth Prince said. He knew that there was no room for negotiation when it came to the Immortal Guard position, but at the very least he would rule the city and found a bit of relief in that.

Emperor Yuan had lived for many years, so he knew when to lower his head.

But Yan Danqing didn’t know how to hold back. When he heard that there was no room for negotiation, his breathing became ragged and his eyes became bloodshot. If Emperor Yuan hadn’t held him back, he might’ve gone crazy.

“Danqing, let’s go.” Emperor Yuan then looked at the Ninth Prince. “My Lord, since the matter has been finalized, we will be on our way.”

“Alright.” The Ninth Prince nodded, not even sparing him another glance. As far as the Ninth Prince was concerned, Emperor Yuan was not even worth a tenth of Long Chen.

It was only when the people from the Beast Soul Palace left the place did Emperor Yuan look back. His face was calm, but his eyes were filled with killing intent. Today was the most humiliating day of his life, and it was all because of Long Chen.

Yan Danqing and Emperor Yuan recovered slightly after they left the tower. Emperor Yuan sighed, saying, “Danqing, I’m sorry for being so useless. I couldn’t even protect your honor.”

“I’m fine, Grandfather,” Yan Danqing said plainly. Despite his calm demeanor, there was a raging fire in his heart.

“All is well as long as you are fine. I just hope that you can endure the pain from today. At least we have wrested the right to rule Yuanling City from the Lingwu family. From today onwards, the Beast Soul Palace will grow and you will be able to obtain more resources! You will be able to exceed Long Chen!”

“I know. Grandfather, let me just take a walk alone so I can calm down. You can go back without me.”

Emperor Yuan nodded. Seeing his grandson, his pride and joy, look so disappointed made him sad too. “Go and come back soon. From today onward, I will be teaching you personally. I’ve prepared enough Heavenly River Pills to help you break into the Heavenly River Realm!”

“Alright ...”

Yan Danqing left. He wanted to find a quiet place to rest for a bit so his heart would be prepared for training. Thankfully, not many people recognized him in the city, or they would have talked directly behind his back.

He suddenly saw someone familiar amidst the crowd.

I remember checking the information we had on Long Chen and Mo Xiaolang before I entered the ruins. It seems that that woman is their stepsister, Yin Mengyao of the Silver family. Yan Danqing’s hatred towards Long Chen started to boil when he saw Yin Mengyao alone.

Grandfather gave me the Mother & Son Flame Crystal, but I didn’t use it in the ruins. I can use it now! Long Chen, don’t blame me for being ruthless!

***

Once the people from the Beast Soul Palace left, the group from the Dawn Trading Alliance knew it was rude to overstay their welcome, so they left.

Seeing that the show was over, the people on the walls slowly left as well, but their hearts were still racing. All of them were discussing Long Chen’s incredible feats. The result of the fight spread like wildfire, and the merchants leaving the city started spreading it to other places too.

Long Chen stood in front of the Ninth Prince with Mo Xiaolang.

The Ninth Prince’s status, strength, and intelligence were very high, and Long Chen knew he could not fight him yet. While Long Chen was humble, he was not afraid nor defeated.

Since he chose to make me an Immortal Guard, he must’ve recognized my potential. But the Imperial Palace is a place where people constantly plot against each other. Those who grew up there are very vicious and their way of thinking is very complicated. Thankfully, the Ninth Prince is not hostile to me.

“Long Chen, where did you learn the Nine Fire Spinning Shields?” The Ninth Prince was direct and wasted no time.

Long Chen hesitated before answering, “I learned it from an inscription on the tomb’s wall in the ancient ruins. It was just beyond the sea of fire.”

He had already thought of the excuse before he even decided to use the Nine Fire Spinning Shields during battle. Would the Ninth Prince forcefully check his Universe Pouch to verify it?

“Is that so ...” The Ninth Prince chuckled as if he believed Long Chen. He looked at Long Chen and stated matter-of-factly, “You have various good martial techniques, and your talent in learning them is excellent too. Your weapon is good and you have an Earth-tier demonic beast as your pet. Too bad your cultivation level is a bit too low. If you were at the Heavenly River Realm, you would be a good candidate.”

Long Chen silently noted down that this was the Ninth Prince's impression of him.

“Let me give it to you straight. There’s a reason why I’m letting you become an Immortal Guard. I’m recognizing your potential here. The Immortal Guards belong to the entire royal family, so basically my father. But don’t you think it’s a good idea to have some of my men in the Immortal Guard to feed me information?” The Ninth Prince chuckled.